The final steps of the London to Qatar challenge for Shout 85258, with club Directors Godric Smith,Graham Daniels and finance Director of Mick George, Police spotters all supporting the walk along with Nia Thomas from Shout 85258 and several supporters took place on Saturday 19th November.

I believe the walk has been one of the most positive things I have ever undertaken and rewarding in the fact there has hardly been a day go by without somebody talking to me about their mental health.

I must also thank all the companies and members of the public who have supported and donated to the walk during the past twelve months. The 16k raised for SHOUT 85258 will help so many people in the coming months.

So this is the end of a very long journey 6,068,796 steps completed and we celebrate on the pitch before the Accrington Stanley fixture.

When I look back at the Football Safety Officers conference in Stratford where I was one of the guest speakers talking about mental health and the positivity it generated with members coming forward to talk about their mental health concerns it really has been a positive journey.

The final message

The final message is keep talking and if you feel that a member of your family may be struggling a member of staff, or a friend then ask “are you okay?” if they reply “yes” ask them again “are you sure you are okay?”
You may be surprised by the answer and just talking could be the help that person needs???
If you are struggling personally don’t suffer in silence, tell somebody as there is help available or text SHOUT 85258
 
Ian Darler B.E.M

I must start by say a special thanks to those who attended the public walk on Sunday especially when the weather was so awful. The walk was made up from members of the Cambridge staff and club supporters.

Trevor George the former Cambridge United police intelligence officer led walk whilst also delivering a history lesson on route.

Above The group ready to attack the 3.9 mile stroll along the river Cam

Below The group gathered for a photo at the half way point

I must also thank the Cambridge United media team for putting the interview with Thomas Kirk match referee on twitter as this again has generated so much positivity and conversation about mental health.

As we approach the last 19 days of the challenge, we have hit 5,800,276 steps up to 31st October leaving just 199,724 steps to hit the six million and completing the 3228-mile walk.

Thanks also to those who have again sponsored the walk and taken the total to £14.500

Finally, a reminder that Cambridge United have arranged for me to walk from the football monument on Parkers Piece to the Abbey stadium on Saturday 19th November, The walk will start at 2pm and we should arrive at the stadium by 2.45pm everybody is welcome to come along.

Thanks again, keep talking everybody.

Ian Darler B.E.M